A milk-producing farming co-operative is turning its attention to the turbine business.

First Milk has gone through the environmental assessment screening with planners for three farms in the region.

They are testing the ground for a single turbine at Halferne and Halket Leathes, both Castle Douglas, and Heighton at Kirkcolm, near Stranraer. First Milk is a farmer-owned co-operative with more than 1,900 milk-producing member farms, around 140 of which are in the region.

Ross McNaughton, compliance officer with Renewables Unlimited, on behalf of First Milk, told planners they are investigating the potential for turbines on the farms.

“First Milk is focused on a sustainable future for members and the industry,” he said. “It has more than 140 member farms who employ a significant number of people within your local authority area.”